Algeria have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA over what they described as “refereeing injustice” during their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat to Argentina, with a controversial challenge involving Lionel Messi at the centre of their protest.
According to AFP’s source within the Algerian Football Federation, the complaint focuses primarily on an incident in the 30th minute of Tuesday’s Group J clash, when Messi appeared to catch defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind.
Despite protests from the Algerian players, the referee neither cautioned nor sent off the Argentina captain, who went on to inspire the reigning world champions to victory with a hat-trick.
“The complaint primarily concerns Messi’s challenge, which deserved a red card, in everyone’s opinion,” the federation source told AFP.
“There were also two elbow incidents, both of which warranted dismissals.”
The Algerians were particularly frustrated that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene in any of the disputed incidents.
“We are not saying that the Argentine team was not strong, but we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice,” the source added.
“There were three incidents that were crystal clear, and VAR did not intervene.”
Messi’s treble not only secured Argentina’s victory but also saw the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner equal former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.
Algeria will attempt to revive their campaign when they face Jordan on Monday before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Austria on 27 June.
The North Africans are seeking only their second appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds, having previously reached the last 16 in 2014, where they suffered an extra-time defeat to eventual champions Germany.
